Great Ocean Road holidays

The Great Ocean road has a number of must-see attractions, including rock formations, natural arches, and steep-sided gorges. But the most famous of all is the Twelve Apostles. About half-way along the route, these impressive limestone stacks rise out of the rolling ocean like grand pillars. They’re all different shapes and sizes, and make the perfect backdrop for a photo.

Other popular spots are London Bridge – a natural arch, which collapsed in 1990 – and the dramatic Loch Ard Gorge, where you can swim in the sheltered waters or stroll along the sheer cliffs. Watch surfers tackle the swell of Bells Beach, or walk down Gibson Steps to look up at Gog and Magog, two gigantic limestone towers. And make sure you stop off at the Grotto – this hidden archway between Port Campbell and the Bay of Islands is definitely worth a visit.

When you talk to people about driving the Great Ocean Road, one town will get mentioned over and over again – Lorne. And that’s because this charming seaside spot looks like it came straight off a postcard.

Filled with coffee shops, cafés and seafood restaurants, Lorne is popular with locals and tourists alike. It’s the ideal place to stop for lunch on the first day of your journey, if you’re starting from Torquay. You’ll find dozens of places to grab a bite to eat or, if you want to stretch your legs, why not grab some snacks from the supermarket and have a picnic on the beach? You’ll have the best seats in the house.

Before you leave, we’d recommend take a short detour. A 15-minute drive inland takes you to the tumbling waters of Erskine Falls, which are surrounded by luscious rainforest. It’s also worth driving up to Teddy’s Lookout, too. This clifftop spot has stunning coastal views of the cliff-hugging road and the sprawling, turquoise ocean beyond.

While you might choose to drive 170 miles in one go in the UK, the Great Ocean Road is not your average journey. There’s a lot to see, and you’ll be amazed how quickly the time disappears when you’re hopping in and out of the car. So, to really see the Great Ocean Road in all its glory, we’d suggest allowing three days for the drive.

If you start in Torquay, you could spend your first night in the picturesque town of Apollo Bay, which is about 55 miles along the coast. The next day, you can continue your journey – stopping off at a number of attractions on the way – before staying the night in Port Campbell, 60 miles on.

Both Apollo Bay and Port Campbell have a range of hotels and motels, as well as pubs, restaurants and supermarkets. And, naturally, they’re both brushed by the ocean – so you can easily go for a dip after a day of driving and exploring. 

There’s never a bad time to drive the Great Ocean Road, but some times of year are busier than others. The route is most crowded in summer, between December and February so, if you can avoid this time of year, we’d recommend doing so.

Instead, why not plan your trip for March, April or May? It will still be warm, there will be less traffic, and the attractions will be less crowded. The only exception is the Easter holidays, when it will be very busy. Alternatively, if you visit in September, you might be lucky enough to see southern right whales migrating along the coast.

Victoria’s winter – which lasts from June to August – can be a little chilly, with temperatures rarely rising above 13°C. You might also see the odd rain shower. But, if you’re happy to wrap up, you’ll be rewarded with a peaceful, atmospheric road trip.